Be Your Own Advocate

Often times, when someone is dealing with a complex medical issue, they are advised to “be their own advocate.” To do research about the subject matter, seek second opinions, and ask questions.

However, I rarely hear this outside of a medical context.

If we really look at what it means to be one’s own advocate, it seems like an appealing way to relate to the world in many different aspects of life.

At its root, the phrase simply means that one is being active instead of passive when dealing with others.

Researching the topic, and seeking to understand the objective, will allow you to ask better questions. Better questions will lead to more clarity and understanding of the process, and the desired outcome.

And so it becomes a positive loop: As a result of taking an active role in the process, we are able to understand the end that we are driving for, and but by being able to see the end, we are able to stay engaged in the process.